Laos - attractions, interesting facts and places, culture, nature, traditions. Ruins of Wat Phu temple. Political system and symbolism

Laos is a neighboring country bordering the Kingdom of Thailand, today we will talk a little about it.

Laos- state in South-East Asia landlocked. It borders with countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.

Laos- not a rich country, but you can’t call it completely poor either. The population of Laos largely adheres to the religion "Buddhism". Despite religious views, it seemed to me that people are not as kind as Thais.

Capital of Laos

The capital of Laos is the city of Vientiane. Many locals love and are proud of their capital, despite the fact that its infrastructure is completely undeveloped. It is largely inferior to the capitals of other countries - Moscow, Bangkok, Singapore, etc. Public transport is almost not developed here, only a couple of large shopping centers with a cinema and a bowling alley. There is a lot of garbage on the main embankment of the city, on which local authorities Apparently it doesn't matter.

There is at least 1 cinema in the city, in the ITEC shopping center (TC), but films are shown either not very popular or with a lag of 1-3 years. There is bowling, which seemed to me quite cheap, 25 - 30 baht per game.

ITEC is located outside the city. This may be the biggest shopping center in the city, but even it is empty. It closes at 17-18 hours, which is quite wild for capital cities. I saw a couple of small shopping centers in the city, but they are so small that it is not a language to call it a shopping center.

In such centers you can buy copies of iPhone 4.5 5S, Nokia, Blackberry and many other brands. For example, the price for a copy of the iPhone 4 was 900 baht, so they are also traded.

In the capital, you can buy DVD, VCD discs with films or music, the price is from 10 to 30 baht (rubles), a penny, but again, the problem is with new products.

There is no public transport in the city, mostly local tuk-tuks, the prices of which are much higher than Thai ones. Therefore, it is more profitable to rent a bicycle, since the town is not big and it is difficult to get lost in it. The main thing is to find a map and understand it a little. In this way, I traveled all over the capital several times.

Bicycle rental in Laos 10,000 kip= 40 baht per day, but some give only for a day, while you need to give your passport as a deposit, which is not very pleasant.

Laos Visa

Visa to Laos for Russian citizens is not required, on arrival stamped for 15 days. This period in the country can be found without any problems.

Currency of Laos or monetary unit of Laos

The official currency of Laos is the KIP. Kip is in the thousands, so in Laos you are a millionaire. 🙂

• The exchange rate of Laos against the ruble for 2016: 1 ruble = 116 kip
• The kip exchange rate in relation to the Thai baht for 2016: 1 baht = 231 kip

Baht is accepted in Laos, so you can safely take Thai money.

Currency exchange can be found in all corners of the city, and there are ATMs everywhere.

Laos money

Money in Laos comes in the following denominations:

• 500 kip = 2 baht (~4 rubles)
• 1000 kip = 4 baht (~8 rubles)
• 2000 kip = 8 baht (~16 rubles)
• 5000 kip = 20 baht (~40 rubles)
• 10,000 kip = 40 baht (~80 rubles)
• 20,000 kip = 80 baht (~160 rubles)
• 50,000 kip = 200 baht (~400 rubles)
• 100,000 kip = 400 baht (~800 rubles)

It seems there are no others, but I could be wrong, I hope you correct me. I rounded the course to make it easier to count.

The main attractions and entertainment in Laos are located in its cities and villages, so I will consider them separately in other articles. There are waterfalls, museums, temples, caves, hot air ballooning and more.

Laos prices

Prices in Laos for food are much higher than in Thailand, for example, if in Thailand a bowl of soup in local establishments costs 30 baht, then here it is at least 60 baht. The fare is also more expensive, less than 20,000 kip = 80 baht, you are unlikely to be lucky, even if it is 100 meters.

The average price for rental housing is from 500 baht per room.

The price of gasoline in Laos for 1 liter is approximately 45 baht (90 rubles).

Laos Time

The time in Laos is the same as in Thailand, if in Thailand it is 18:00 then in Laos it is also 18:00. Differences from Moscow time in summer by 3 hours, in winter by 4 hours. For example, if it's 22:00 in Laos, then it's 18:00 in Moscow.

Laos photo

Here are some pictures from different corners this country.

Cities of Laos

I will mark only those places where I have been myself. I will describe each city later in more detail with their sights and interesting places.

List of cities and villages:

• Vientiane is the capital of Laos, a good place to stop for a couple of days.
• Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of Laos, a wonderful city, time stops here, many temples, waterfalls, museums, you can spend a couple of days.
• Vang Vieng is for lovers of adrenaline, entertainment and drive. Youth town, here you can come off with a bang, a lot of European youth!

I have not been to other places, so I can not say anything.

Weather and climate in Laos

Laos has a hot climate, which is very much like Thailand, but due to the lack of a sea, the heat is more difficult to bear. The average temperature during the day is + 35, at night +30.

You can find additional information on this country on Wikipedia https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9B%D0%B0%D0%BE%D1%81.

Well, something like that, if there is something else, I will definitely write.

), Laos appears to be an almost unfamiliar destination for Russian travelers. Until 1988, the country was isolated and tourists were not allowed into its territory. And although now the borders are already open, and the visa regime is very simplified, the aura of mystery still does not leave Laos.

A few centuries ago, on the site of modern Laos, there was a powerful state with a poetic name Lan Xang, which means "Kingdom of millions of elephants." At the end of the 19th century, the French colonizers came here, their legacy - colonial European architecture - shapes the appearance of many Lao cities today.

Unfortunately, the socialist experiments of the last century brought the country into a deplorable economic situation. But, despite all the hardships, the locals managed to maintain optimism and good nature, the Laotians are exceptionally hospitable and friendly towards tourists.

Laos - although small country but extremely versatile. There are ancient cities and mysterious caves, mountains, waterfalls and impenetrable jungle. Travelers usually come to Laos for 1-2 days as part of tours in Vietnam or Thailand, however, the excursion potential of Laos and the local opportunities for outdoor activities make it possible to plan a separate trip to this amazing country.

Climate and weather

The climate of Laos is subequatorial monsoon. When preparing for a trip to Laos, travelers should take into account that there are three seasons here. The first - dry and hot - lasts from February to April. In May, the humid hot period begins, which lasts until October. From November to February in Laos it is dry and cool.

The air temperature in different regions varies greatly depending on the altitude of the area. For example, the Mekong Valley is hottest in April and May. At this time, the daytime temperature rises to +35 °C. The coldest months in the lowland are December and January, when during the day the air warms up to +27 °C, and at night the temperature drops to +13…+15 °C. In the mountains, of course, it is generally cooler: in April, the daytime temperature reaches +29 ° C, and in December - only +21 ° C, January nights can be noticeably cold (+7 ° C).

More precipitation falls in the mountains than in the plains: up to 3500 mm against 2000 mm. The rainiest time in Laos is summer, when the monthly portion of precipitation can be 300-500 mm. But for the whole winter it rarely falls more than 20 mm.

The best time to travel to Laos is from November to February, and in mountainous areas it is comfortable until July.

Nature

Laos is a land of mountains. Although they are not too high and rarely exceed 2000 meters, their relief is very dissected. This relief and the dense forests that cover the mountains prevent active communication between Laos and neighboring countries. The highest and impenetrable mountains are in the north of Laos. ridges Dending, Shamshao, Shusung Tyaotai dotted with deep gorges. The western border of the country runs along the ridge Luang Prabang Mountains rise in the southeast Truong Son height up to 2700 meters. The highest mountain in Laos Bia(2819 m).

With the same confidence, Laos can be called a country of forests. Even in the middle of the last century, forests occupied approximately 70% of the country's territory. Today this figure is already 50%. Evergreen humid subtropical forests reign in the north of Laos: laurels, magnolias, ferns, lianas. At an altitude of 1500 meters, they pass into mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, where oaks, pines, and chestnuts grow. In the central part of Laos, thickets of bamboo, teak, dipterocarpus, and lagerstromia predominate. Palm trees, tree ferns, fruit trees appear in the south.

The fauna of Laos is unique in its own way. Large herds of Indian elephants have been preserved here to this day. There are tigers, leopards, marble panthers in the forests. You can meet Malayan and white-breasted bears. Not very rare - marsh lynx and palm marten. Quite a lot of wild bulls (guyals and bantengs), buffaloes, deer. Of the fearsome reptiles, pythons and cobras live in Laos. In the country big variety birds: from colorful parrots and peacocks to doves and ducks.

Attractions

The main asset and pride of Laos is the most beautiful temples. There are 32 of them in Luang Prabang alone! In the capital of Laos, Vientiane, the most revered is the temple of the XVI century Wat Si Muang(Wat Si Muang). Here they worship not so much the Buddha as the spirits of the city. According to legend, the spirits live in the yellow column standing here, which was found on the site of one of the ancient Khmer cities.

The top list of Lao attractions also includes a symbol of the unity of the nation - a stupa. That Luang(Pha That Luang) in Vientiane. The monument was erected in the 16th century, and acquired its current appearance at the beginning of the last century thanks to French restorers. Here is the official residence of the Buddhist patriarch of the country.

The Valley is located in the northeast of Laos. Jah- a mysterious place where several hundred stone urns lie, the origin and purpose of which archaeologists are still scratching their heads. The largest of the urns weighs 10.6 tons. It has been established that the urns were carved about two thousand years ago from stone, which is not found in the nearby territories.

Definitely recommend to visit Champasak is one of the oldest cities in Laos. It used to be the capital of the kingdom Chenla. There is a complex of ruins here Wat Phou, which is included in the list world heritage UNESCO. But the most interesting thing in Champasak is a labyrinth of 4000 islands Si Phan Don. In addition to the fabulous beauty, the place is famous for its large population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Nutrition

The cuisine of Laos not only absorbed the culinary traditions of local peoples, but also borrowed best features from the cuisine of neighbors - Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and China.

The basis of the meal in Laos, as in other Asian countries, is rice. The usual Laotian menu includes "white rice", fried rice ("khao phat") and "sticky rice" in balls that are dipped in numerous types of sauces. Noodles are also popular - in soup ("foe") and as a side dish or an independent dish, such as fried noodles "khua".

Freshwater fish occupies an important place on the Lao table. Be sure to try "laap"- a fish dish with rice, lime, garlic, green onion, mint and chili. Delicious things like fish in coconut milk are also good. "sushi dad", Fried fish "sushi-pa-gnon" and spicy fried catfish.

Meat, although not as popular as fish, is a beef salad with herbs. "channam-tuk" surely you will like it. But there are many poultry dishes in Lao restaurants: chicken stuffed with rice and cinnamon, fried chicken "kai-lao" stewed with quail cabbage. There are also exotic delicacies from the meat of snakes, squirrels, lizards.

Mint, lime juice, lemongrass, coriander are commonly used as seasonings. Instead of salt, various fish sauces are often used. Garlic, basil, hot pepper, peanut butter, coconut milk and Indian date juice are also actively added to the dishes.

There are many restaurants in Laos, while the cost of food does not hit the pocket even in establishments that are considered expensive. In a mid-range restaurant, you won’t have to pay more than $ 10-15 per person for dinner, and in numerous street cafes you can eat a hearty meal at several times cheaper.

Accommodation

Most hotels in Laos are 2-4-storey guest houses with a minimum set of services and a unique flavor. These are inexpensive family hotels, where hot water and air conditioning will not necessarily be present, but the room will be decorated in the national style. Before settling in such hotels, you should check the availability of the necessary amenities.

IN Lately in Laos, in particular, in Luang Prabang, boutique hotels are becoming popular, which are located in two- and three-story villas. The interior of the rooms, as a rule, is made in the colonial style. Boutique hotels have all the amenities, and accommodation here promises to be very comfortable.

There are not very many hotels in the European sense in Laos, but those that are, as a rule, have categories according to the European system for assessing the quality of hotel service. The most expensive and luxurious hotels are concentrated in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. On the territory of the hotels there will definitely be a swimming pool, a fitness center and a tennis court; spa centers and conference rooms are usually also offered to guests. Internet and Wi-Fi are usually free. Breakfast is only included in the rate large hotels, in the rest it is offered for additional fee. In general, prices for accommodation in Lao hotels are lower than in European hotels of the same category.

Entertainment and recreation

Laos - perfect place for those who love leisure. Activities such as rafting, trekking, cycling, cave visits and trips along the Mekong River are very popular here.

In Laos, there is no sea and beaches, but there are plenty of routes for rafting. Good for river rafting Nam Lik And Nam Ngum near Vientiane, along the river Nam Na in the Luang Namtha area. The most impassable is the river Nam Fa, where there are the most thresholds.

Cave lovers admit that Laos is real paradise for speleologists. The most popular, well-lit cave - Tham Chang- located near Luang Prabang. The most interesting thing is to visit the Elephant Cave ( Tham Xang), which owes its name to a stalactite in the shape of an elephant's head. This cave is also notable for its natural swimming pool.

Walks along the Mekong will not leave connoisseurs indifferent natural beauties. On Don Khon Island in the middle of the river, you can watch the life of dolphins.

Purchases

Like most South Asian countries, Laos is famous for its interesting and inexpensive shopping. In the capital of Laos, Vientiane, everything is about twice as expensive as in other cities, but still the prices are very affordable compared to Russian ones.

In Laos, they usually buy local silk, wood and leather products, embroidered clothes and shoes, silver and gold jewelry, various souvenirs and kitchen utensils, as well as paintings and CDs with national music.

Shopping in Laos is unthinkable without visiting local markets. The most famous is Vientiane Talat Sao or Morning Market. This largest covered market in the capital is a two-story building, which contains an abundance of shops and cafes. The shopping center is designed for tourists, and you can buy anything here, from souvenirs to household appliances. The market works Talat Sao daily from 07:00 to 16:00.

If you want more exotic, visit the markets where locals go shopping. Fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruits are much cheaper in such places.

Bargaining is encouraged in private shops and markets. Starting prices are usually high. By the way, in the province of Laos, you can encounter strange behavior of sellers: they can actively bargain, but at the same time not reduce the price by a single cent. In such cases, we advise you to go to a nearby seller - for sure, his prices will be more attractive.

Bank cards are accepted for payment in large stores, but in the provinces it is almost impossible to pay with them. It is most profitable to change currency in banks, but keep in mind that some banks only accept dollars or Thai baht.

Transport

Generally transport connection in Laos is developing quite rapidly. For example, if until recently asphalt roads were a rarity, now primers remain only in remote areas. From Vientiane to Pakse And Luang Prabang the roads are excellent.

Local aviation is a company Lao Airlines. It operates flights between many cities in Laos. But there is no railway transport in the country, although there are 12 kilometers of railway that have not been used for a long time.

Travelers can comfortably move between cities on tourist buses. They are much more expensive than usual, but they are equipped with air conditioning, TVs and toilets. If you want local exotics, choose ordinary shabby buses. True, you will have to go not only with the Laotians, but also with what they bought or are carrying to sell - vegetables, fruits, animals and other bulky goods.

Today, it is still possible to travel along the rivers of Laos on slow motor boats, but with the development of the highway, this transport is becoming a thing of the past. Even local residents are increasingly choosing buses, as boats cannot be called comfortable: people are stuffed into them like herring in a barrel. We do not recommend driving on “fast” motorboats for your safety.

Taxi is very popular among tourists. Remember that local taxis do not keep meters, the cost of the trip must be negotiated before boarding. The approximate fare is $ 0.5 per kilometer.

As for the rental of transport, you can rent a bicycle or motorcycle everywhere. True, we do not recommend renting motorcycles to drivers without serious experience in driving this vehicle. You can rent a car in the capital Vientiane, Pakse and Luang Prabang, but this service is not yet very developed and prices are high.

Connection

Internet and network technology services are developing quite actively in Laos. Internet cafes of the company are common in cities Laonet. The cost of services varies depending on the distance from the capital and can be quite big: from $1 to $10 per hour.

Cellular communication in Laos is mainly represented by the GSM 900 standard. It should be noted that good quality communication is observed only in the capital. Roaming is provided by companies Lao Telecommunications And Millicom Lao, tourists from Russia can easily stay in touch.

But ordinary phones in Laos, oddly enough, are rare. There are no more than 70 thousand lines in the country. Radiotelephones are used to communicate with remote areas. Public pay phones can only be found on the central streets of cities, near banks and shopping centers. Calling cards can be purchased at the post office, in shops and offices of telephone operators. However, due to the high cost of international communication and the low face value of cards ($2-6), it can be impossible to make a call using one card - the card ends before the subscriber has time to say “hello”. Therefore, we advise you to call abroad from post offices or from offices Telecom.

Safety

Laos is quite safe. Although the wars, coupled with economic devastation, brought the local population to a beggarly state, this did not lead to an increase in crime, as in many countries with a similar situation. Violent crime in Laos is extremely rare.

The main problem for a traveler in Laos, as in all tourist places, petty theft. So you should not neglect reasonable security measures: watch your belongings, do not carry large sums of money with you, and do not show off expensive jewelry or watches.

You can travel around the country without fear for personal safety, but there is a Special Zone along the Cambodian border Sisombun which is currently closed to tourists. It should also be borne in mind that in eastern regions Laos still has thousands of unexploded bombs and mines in the ground - a terrible legacy of the Vietnam War. Therefore, if you are planning trips to areas east of Savannakhet, take care of a local guide. Be sure to follow the main rule: do not walk through the fields and untrodden paths, do not go to the side of the paths and roads.

To maintain health, we recommend preventive measures against malaria: vaccinations, mosquito repellents. Do not drink tap water, be sure to purchase bottled water. Products purchased at the market must be thoroughly processed before eating.

Business climate

Although Laos has great potential to become the "economic miracle" of Southeast Asia, it is still far from being an attractive investment destination. Unpredictable government policies and economic decline, human trafficking, labor shortages and environmental pollution - all these factors deter potential foreign investors.

At the same time, the Department of Promotion and Management of Domestic and Foreign Investments of Laos has determined a number of preferences for foreign investors, primarily with regard to taxes. Thus, an incentive tax rate of 20% is applied to foreigners (35% to local companies), and income tax is 10%. Non-tax benefits are also established for foreign companies: it is allowed to hire foreign specialists, lease land for up to 50 years, and it is guaranteed protection against nationalization or requisition without compensation.

To date, these positive changes, unfortunately, are not able to significantly affect the business climate in Laos: it is still very difficult to develop your business in this country. The World Bank and International Finance Corporation, analyzing the ease of doing business in their economic survey, ranked Laos 171 out of 183 countries.

Real estate

Since Laos has been in a long political isolation, at present foreigners do not yet seek to acquire property in this country. In addition, the formation of the real estate market here is in its infancy, the proposals are mainly limited to the capital Vientiane and the cities of Pakse and Luang Prabang.

The main obstacle to foreign investment in real estate is local laws, according to which the land belongs to the state, and foreigners can not own land or real estate. Only long-term lease of an apartment or house up to 30 years is possible, and commercial real estate - up to 50 years, but the extension of the contract is not guaranteed. Recently, such a form of housing ownership as an apartment in a condominium has been slowly spreading, but, again, foreigners cannot register the ownership of such an apartment for themselves, but are forced to look for “gray” schemes. In such a situation, there is no active demand for real estate in Laos from foreign investors.

True, with regard to average prices for houses and apartments, Laos appears in an attractive light. A house in Vientiane, for example, can be found for $10,000. However, due to the lack of a normal market, prices can be both low and unpredictably skyrocket.

When planning to visit the reserves of Laos, remember that many of them will only let you in with an official guide. Therefore, take care of the guide in advance, and if you want to save money, we advise you to contact the Department of Tourism, and not the local travel agencies.

Tipping in public restaurants and hotels is usually automatically included in the bill, in private establishments it is left at the discretion of the client (it is recommended to leave 5-10% of the bill).

As for the prohibitions, most of them are typical for Southeast Asia: in Laos you can’t point your feet at other people, also don’t try to step over people or touch their heads. Women should not dress provocatively. The most serious is the ban on drug use. Don't be fooled by their availability, the police keep a close eye on whether tourists use drugs. If a traveler is caught red-handed, at least a large fine awaits him, and in some cases the case may end in prison. By the way, the sexual relations of foreigners with Laotians are officially prohibited if they are not married.

LAOS
Lao People's Democratic Republic, a state in Southeast Asia. Founded in the middle of the 14th century, the Lao kingdom lasted more than 300 years and turned into an empire that included significant territories of neighboring states: Myanmar (in the west), China (in the north), Vietnam (in the east), Cambodia (in the south) and Thailand ( south and west). From 1893 to 1954, until the forced withdrawal of the French from this region, Laos, together with Vietnam and Cambodia, was a French protectorate and was part of French Indochina. From 1960 to 1975, there was a civil war in the country between the leftist nationalist forces of the Pathet Lao, who received assistance from North Vietnam and the USSR, and the royal government of Laos, supported by the United States and Thailand. In 1975 the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPR) was proclaimed.

Laos. The capital is Vientiane. Population - 5117 thousand people (1997). Population density - 21 people per 1 sq. km. km. Urban population - 19%, rural - 81%. Area - 236.8 thousand square meters. km. The highest point is Mount Bia (2820 m), the highest low point- in the valley of the Mekong river (181 m). Main languages: Lao (official), French. Main religion: Buddhism. Administrative-territorial division: 16 provinces, 1 municipality, 1 special zone. Monetary unit: kip = 100 atam. National holiday: Independence Day - 2 December. National Anthem: "Lao Nation".

Collier Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

The Lao People's Democratic Republic, or simply Laos, is a country located in Southeast Asia. This state borders on Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar. Laos covers an area of ​​236,800 km2. In 2005, its population was almost six million people. Among tourists, this is not a very popular destination, but in vain. After all, the state has a lot of interesting places to visit. A lot of exciting excursions are waiting for you, unusual entertainment and fantastic nature.

The history of the formation of Laos

Starting from the XIV century, the state of Laos was gradually formed. It has always been inhabited by such migratory tribes as the Lao, Thais, Siam and others, as well as the mountain warlike tribes of Mien and Hmong. In the 14th century, the warlord Fa Ngum formed a single kingdom called Lang Sang Hom Khao. The composition of this monarchy included scattered powers located near Luang Prabang. The new kingdom lasted until the 17th century. Then it fell apart. Already at the end of the next century, most of the state of Laos (general information is presented in our article) fell under the hand of Thai rule.

At the end of the 19th century, Laos became part of French Indochina. And only in the summer of 1949 he managed to get rid of the influence of this empire. But another misfortune came in the form of the United States of America, which began to bombard in 1964. And only ten years later the attacks stopped.

Culture and entertainment in Laos

Laos (capital - the city of Vientiane) is a country with amazing culture. It is represented by folk crafts, sculpture, traditional dances and music, as well as painting. The main ones are the monuments dedicated to the Buddha. Wood, stone and bronze are used for their statues. Also, masters often depict various monsters characteristic of the mythology of India.

The Buddha is often present in paintings as well. In addition, artists have always been engaged in drawing scenes from the Ramayana, an Indian epic. Modern painters and sculptors of Laos, along with classical Buddhist subjects, create works that reflect the beauty of nature and folk life.

If you like outdoor activities, then Laos (the capital is listed above) will provide you with all the opportunities for this. After all, here you can do cycling, trekking and rafting. And in the case when a tourist is a fan of an exotic and non-traditional pastime, then tubing is at his service - rafting on reservoirs on an inflatable chamber, speleology or zip-lining. This is an incredibly amazing activity: in the jungle, in the trees - at a height of 37 meters - 23 platforms are mounted. Strong ropes of steel are stretched between them. Travelers are attached to them using a special device. The length of the rope reaches almost one meter, and the distance between the platforms is 180 meters. So try this walk!

What to see

In addition to entertainment, the country is rich in various architectural masterpieces. So, Laos, whose sights are not world-famous monuments, still deserves to be cultural places were examined by the guests of the country.

First of all, I would like to note Laos is called the state of millions of these giants. Animals work on a par with people: they help build housing, travel long distances, and much more. In the aforementioned camp, travelers have the opportunity to communicate with these unsurpassed creatures, take a walk through the jungle on elephants and feed their pets. And if you have a chance to visit Laos in February, then you will definitely get to a grand event - the Elephant Festival. Thousands of people gather in Paklai County every year to admire the huge participants. You can go to this corner of the globe without any problems today, because a visa to Laos is inexpensive and is paid immediately upon arrival in the country. And if you plan to stay in the state for less than 15 days, then you don’t need it at all.

Monastery of the Kings

Wat Xyeng Thong (“City of Golden Temples”) is the name of the royal monastery, decorated with mosaics and frescoes. It is the largest monastery in the state and is located in Luang Prabang. The religious building was built in 1560. Since that time, it has remained virtually unchanged. The temple building is representative of the traditional temple culture of Laos. It can be characterized as follows: gradually curving, the slopes of the roofs descend almost to the ground. The rear red wall of Wat Xyeng Thong is adorned with mosaics of various animals and birds. In the temple itself there is a rare statue of the reclining Buddha. Laos (its sights deserve attention!) will always offer its guests to visit interesting places, albeit not as famous as Stonehenge or leaning tower of pisa, but still amazing and unsurpassed in its grandeur and beauty.

blood and moon

A rectangular panel with three horizontal stripes and a circle in the middle - this is the flag of Laos. The top and bottom stripes are painted red, symbolizing the blood of the victims who gave their lives for the independence of the country. The middle, largest, stripe is blue, which has become the embodiment of the resources of Laos. In the center of the blue field is a huge white circle. He became a symbol of the moon that rises above

On December 2, 1975, the flag of Laos received its legal approval. Such a composition of the canvas was proposed in the second half of the 50s of the last century. But the people needed to achieve their independence so that this symbol of the state had the right to exist.

Main city

The capital of Laos is Vientiane, and we have already mentioned this. I would like to talk a little about this wonderful place. Its name translates as "city of sandalwood". Vientiane is considered the main financial center the whole state. It is inhabited by approximately two hundred thousand people.

The city was founded by King Setthathirath in 1560. During that period locality was also the capital, only not of Laos, but of a power called Lang Sang. This state ceased to exist in 1707. At the same time, Vientiane becomes an independent kingdom. In 1779, the settlement was completely destroyed by the Siamese army. And in 1899 it becomes the capital of Laos.

Vientiane is like Paris

Laos (the capital is listed above) bears little resemblance to France. More precisely, some coincidence can be seen in the main cities of these countries. So, Paris boasts the world-famous Arc de Triomphe, and Vientiane - the Patusai Arc de Triomphe, which is somewhat reminiscent of its French "colleague". The attraction is located on the main street of the Lao capital - Langsang Avenue. The object was built in honor of those inhabitants of the country who died in the war for its independence from France.

Oddly enough, but Patusai was built with the money of the French government. The structure has four entrances and is crowned with small turrets. The arch is decorated with a lotus flower pattern, and its ceiling is painted with blue paint and painted with images of elephants, buddhas and warriors. So observation deck on the top Arc de Triomphe you can see the whole city and its environs. There is a belief that if you buy a cage with a bird in a small shop located nearby and, standing on top of the structure, release the feathered creature into the wild and at the same time make a wish, then it will certainly come true.

Buddha Park

Laos, whose capital is a kind of Buddha temple, invites its guests to visit another attraction located in Vientiane. A park. True, the object was located not specifically in the city itself, but in its environs. The park has a small size: 200x70 meters. You can see all the sculptures located very close one to one in one hour. All sculptures are made of concrete and iron. Their author is a Buddhist artist and monk Bun Liua Surirat. This project was created in 1958.

And now shopping!

So that your family and friends do not doubt that you have visited Laos, bring them souvenirs from this country. Usually tourists carry samples of folk crafts. It can be fabrics, furniture, jewelry. Gifts can be bought in small ethnic shops and in the market. If you make purchases in the capital of the country, then you will have to pay more for them than in provincial towns. But still, despite the significant difference in price (almost twice), the cost of souvenirs is not high.

In the center of the Indochina peninsula, a small but many-sided Laos is located - a state that is still little known in mass tourism. Occasionally they go here independent travel exotic lovers. Laos is landlocked, but it has ancient temples, traditional villages nestled in the tropical jungle, mysterious caves, picturesque mountains and an amazing way of life.

Geographic location of Laos

Where the state of Laos is located and with which countries it borders can be clearly seen on the world map. In the northwestern part of the country there is a border with. Thanks to this geolocation, Laos fell into the "golden triangle" at the junction of Thailand and Burma. In terms of area, the country of Laos occupies 236,800 square kilometers. km.

Climatic features and nature of the state

Laos has a subequatorial monsoonal climate. The air temperature in different regions varies depending on the altitude of the area. The average annual summer temperature is +28…+30ºС. In winter, it is noticeably cooler - + 15 ... + 23ºС. In the Mekong area, the hottest period is from April to May. At this time, the air warms up to + 35ºС. It is cool in the mountains all year round: in summer the daytime temperature fluctuates around +29ºС, and in winter it is really frosty - up to +7ºС. Three climatic seasons prevail in Laos: dry hot, wet and dry cool.

Lao nature is striking in its diversity. 50% of the country's territory is occupied by tropical forests: laurels, ferns, palm trees, thickets of bamboo and lagestremia. The relief here is predominantly mountainous. Mount Bia is considered the most majestic, its height reaches 2819 m. The main water artery in Laos is the full-flowing Mekong River, and the waterfalls delight every traveler. The flora and fauna in northern Laos are unique. Here you can meet huge herds of Indian elephants, tigers, marbled panthers, colorful parrots and peacocks.

Political system and symbolism

In the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the president is the head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces. The highest legislative body is the National Assembly, which elects a new president after a five-year term. The state structure in Laos is determined by the Constitution, the form of government is republican. The country is made up of 16 provinces, a metropolitan prefecture and a municipality. The provinces are divided into 140 districts, which consist of 11,000 communes.

The coat of arms and the flag of Laos look quite interesting. The national shrine of the country is applied to the coat of arms, a section of the wheel of the mechanism is depicted in the lower part. The inscription on the coat of arms on the left means "Independence and Democracy", on the right - "Unity and Prosperity", and in the middle - "People's Democratic Republic Laos". The flag of Laos consists of three horizontally arranged rectangular stripes of blue and red. There is a white circle in the center of the blue rectangle.

Many tourists do not know what currency is used in Laos. The national currency is the Lao kip, which is issued in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 LAK. There are no coins in circulation. You can also pay in Thai baht and US dollars. The population of Laos is 6,803,699. The official language of Laos is Lao (Lao), but many locals speak Thai, English and French. The main religion is Buddhism, but some tribes in Laos practice animism. Christians and Muslims meet.

The largest cities in Laos

In this Asian state, there are quite large cities that are especially interesting to visit:

What to see in Laos?

The country has enough attractions like natural origin, as well as man-made. Definitely worth a look:

• the temple of the golden city - an exotic place where the most cherished desires come true;
• in the capital of Laos with its numerous religious sculptures, some reaching 40 m high;
• Bokeo Reserve, created to protect black gibbons. Here you can see elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes and bears;
• the village of Nong Khiawa, which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its picturesque scenery;
• - a historical and archaeological monument in Laos with mysterious objects in the form of jugs;
• Tam Kong Lo - a karst 7-kilometer cave with a luminous sacred pool inside;
• in the south of Laos, widely known for its majestic waterfalls;
• , filled with many Buddha figurines of various shapes and sizes;
• - a historical landmark of Laos, from which only the ruins of an ancient temple complex remained;
• monasteries of Laos, striking tourists with their serenity and unique architecture.

Entertainment and recreation

Laos is a great choice for tourists who love an active or relaxing family vacation. Especially popular are such activities as trekking, rafting, cycling around the outskirts of the country, descents into caves and rafting on the Mekong River. accompanied by an experienced guide, they will give you an acquaintance with stunning landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, ancient religion and fairy culture.

Holidays in the resorts of Laos are different from our usual understanding, and beach holiday not provided here at all. But there are a lot of unknown and mysterious routes. Do not miss the opportunity to get on. Every year in February, a traditional - fantastic spectacle is held, which is accompanied by carnivals, musical performances, performances, fireworks and elephant coronations.

Where should you stay?

Most are 2-4-storey buildings with a standard set of services, pleasant service and rooms in the national style. Currently, the so-called boutique hotels located in Lao villas are becoming more and more popular. The interior of such places of residence is decorated in a colonial style, and the time that tourists spend here promises to be as comfortable as possible.

The most expensive and luxurious hotels are concentrated in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Among them are The Luang Say Residence, Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel, Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel, The Luang Say Residence and others. These options include a swimming pool, tennis court, free internet and WiFi. Tourists with a modest budget can stay in cozy and inexpensive hostels in Laos.

Cuisine and restaurants of Laos

The basis is considered to be rice (white, fried and sticky), various spices and sauces. No less popular are noodles, which are used as a side dish or an independent dish. Locals at cooking national dishes use a lot of greens and vegetables. A very important place in the cuisine of Laos is occupied by freshwater fish with lime, chili, garlic or mint. In Asian restaurants, you can try chanam tuk beef salad with greens, fish in coconut milk and spicy fried catfish.

Get to know better local cuisine you can by visiting the Makphet restaurant, where you will meet with fried fish "sushi-pa-gnon", chicken stuffed with rice and cinnamon. At Lao Kitchen you can enjoy exotic delicacies from squirrels, snakes and lizards. Gourmets should look into Namaste India, Pimenton, Jamil Zahid Punjabi Restaurant. Since there are plenty of restaurants in Laos, the cost of food does not break the wallet. On average, tourists pay no more than $10-15 per person for dinner, and you can eat even cheaper in numerous street cafes.

Shopping features

Like most other Asian countries, Laos is characterized by a fascinating and inexpensive lifestyle. What to buy in the numerous stores of Laos? Local silk, gold and silver jewelry, leather and wood products, embroidered shoes and clothes, as well as various souvenirs and paintings are well sold here. Traveling around Laos, one cannot help but look at local markets, the most famous of which is the capital. It works daily from 07:00 to 16:00. Talat Sao is focused on tourists, so you can buy anything here.

Bargaining is practiced in private shops, souvenir shops and markets, since the initial prices are much higher. Among the interesting facts about Laos, it is worth noting the strange behavior of sellers in the provinces: actively bargaining, they do not reduce the price of a kip. In this case, look at the seller next door, who will be very happy to see you. You can pay with a bank card only in large stores in the country, but in the provinces they are not accepted for payment at all. It is most profitable to exchange currency at a bank.

Safety for tourists

Laos - quite safe country. Violent crime is extremely rare here. Tourists should still be wary of petty thieves and not neglect the basic precautions: do not carry all the cash, jewelry and documents with you. It should also be remembered that unexploded shells lie in the eastern regions of Laos to this day, so it is better to go there with a guide. In addition, you need to take care of your health in advance: get vaccinated against malaria and stock up on mosquito repellents. To call anywhere, use the code +856.

Transport connection

One of the main types is the bus. Between cities within the country, you can travel on tourist buses equipped with air conditioning, TVs and toilets. For short trips, locals and tourists travel by tuk-tuks. Taxi rides are very popular. In Laos, you can easily, motorcycle or bicycle. Prices for this type of service are still relatively high. To save time within the country, you can use air transport: flights between major cities Laos is operated by Lao Airlines. There is no rail link in the state.

How to get to Laos?

It is most convenient to get into the country by transit flights of Lao Airlines, Thai Airlines and Aeroflot through Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It is best to choose flights through Bangkok. 3 km west of Vientiane is international Airport Laos, Wattay. You can also get into the state by land, crossing the border with China and Thailand. The question of whether a visa is needed to Laos worries every traveler. A visa is not required to visit the country for up to 15 days.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, but the amount of more than $2000 will have to be declared. But the export and import of the national currency, weapons, narcotic drugs, explosives and poisonous substances is prohibited. Duty-free import applies to cigars (up to 500 pieces), tobacco (up to 500 g), jewelry (also up to 500 g), 2 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages.